Advantage Bagnaia in Thailand? "We know it's a better circuit for me"

Francesco Bagnaia could do nothing to match Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez last weekend in Australia, as both men looked like they were racing in a different category in the main race at Phillip Island.

Although he arrives in Thailand with a twenty-point deficit on the championship leader, the number 1 is not worried. Bagnaia says he is confident that the wind can turn in his favor on a circuit he particularly likes. Enough to bring the two men even closer together before the last two rounds of the season which will be contested in Malaysia, then in Valencia.

"The goal is to achieve this. To recover points, and to be competitive, confides the Ducati rider in a press conference. We know that this circuit is better for me in terms of performance. I have always finished on the podium at Phillip Island in the last three seasons. But I was never the fastest. I have struggled more or less every season. This time even more.

Difficulties that were in reality the observable consequences of the lack of testing carried out before the races, due to capricious weather conditions. The little time spent on the track had not allowed the reigning world champion to find the ideal settings on his Desmosedici GP24.

"We went in the wrong direction on Saturday. On Sunday, it was a little too late, He continues. Those two guys were just faster. I had to slow my pace down, just to hope to finish the race. I was struggling to do that because I was struggling with the tires."

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Two tough opponents for Bagnaia

In previous editions of the Thailand Grand Prix, Francesco Bagnaia has claimed three podiums, including a Moto2 victory, in the 2018 season when he was on his way to the title. He then claimed a third place in 2022. He crossed the line in the same position in Buriram the following year, before being promoted to second, following Brad Binder's penalty.

"Now we arrive here, on a circuit that I like. A circuit on which we have more potential, and so I like the layout. So we can have a good weekend." Bagnaia adds.

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Jorge Martin is therefore warned, it is a vengeful Bagnaia who will measure up to him this weekend. The n°89 is however not left out either on a circuit where he achieved the double (Sprint and victory) last year. "I'm happy to still be in the fight for the title. The last races have been very good. I'm confident for the race. Even if the heat conditions will be intense. I know Marc and Pecco will be very strong."

While the two men are getting used to seeing their duel refereed by Marc Marquez, it is important to note that the #93 has won twice in Thailand. More than anyone else in Buriram in all categories. His first success was in 2018. He started from pole position. He then won in 2019 following a great battle with fabio quartararo.

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